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This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Background A three-year post-graduate international Doctorate in Pharmacy collaborative course, was launched by the Department of Pharmacy, University of Malta in collaboration with the College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago. Aim and rationale To demonstrate that the professional Doctorate in Pharmacy (i) fits the requirements of a Level 8 degree according to the Bologna process, (ii) helps graduates develop competencies and attributes in proficiency in clinical and professional aspects, (iii) has a research component that provides the right level of abilities to participate in research initiatives and to interpret research outcomes, (iv) enables graduates to obtain leadership characteristics. Approach The unique characteristics of the course were evaluated through an outcomes result-oriented measurement. Leadership aspects were measured through policies and strategies presented by students and graduates. Outcomes i) course is in line with the Bologna declaration, ii) research work shown in the dissertation satisfied competencies required iii) research abilities have been examined through a third party and found to be compliant with acquiring of concepts in the design, carrying out, assessment of outcomes and interpretation of results of the research study carried out by each student, and iv) leadership characteristics were shown by the positions taken up by the graduates and early outcomes from these positions. Conclusion Learning activities enable development of professionals able to merge scientific and practice aspects in the evaluation of innovative therapies, the use of medicines and patient monitoring, and in pharmaceutical policy development and regulation. Leadership positions taken up by graduates point to the acquisition of leadership skills by graduates. Next Steps The authors are happy to extend collaboration for this model to be adapted by other institutions for the curricular development entailed in this programme to enhance and improve an innovative aspect in the evolvement of the pharmacy profession on the international scenario.
RESUMO
Prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is recommended for patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or intensive chemotherapy. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and inhaled pentamidine are used frequently, but are limited, by their tolerability and therefore compliance. Intravenous (IV) pentamidine is a potential alternative agent. Here we conducted the first prospective study of the safety and efficacy of IV pentamidine for PJP prophylaxis in adult patients undergoing HSCT or intensive chemotherapy (clinicaltrials.gov NCT02669706). Fifty patients requiring PJP prophylaxis were enrolled and received monthly IV pentamidine at 4 mg/kg (maximum 300 mg) while undergoing intensive chemotherapy or HSCT. Patients were followed for the occurrence of PJP pneumonia and for adverse events. Satisfaction was assessed using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM Version 1.4) survey. Seventeen (34%) patients experienced a grade 1 or 2 adverse event. There were no grade 3/4 events. The TSQM questionnaire indicated that the majority of patients were satisfied with the administration of IV pentamidine (n = 43, 86%, p = 0.01). There were no cases of PJP during the 24 month follow-up period. Our study illustrates the safety, feasibility, and high degree of patient satisfaction when using IV pentamidine for PJP prophylaxis.
